The impending silver tsunami raises many questions about who will take over the caregiver role the boomer generation has assumed. Though most headlines put baby boomers at war with millennials—criticizing work ethic, food trends, and residential choices—millennial children are largely the product of boomer parents. As their parents move into the senior population, millennials are becoming the family caregiver. In fact, of the over 40 million people in the U.S. who serve as unpaid caregivers for family members (most often a parent or grandparent), 10 million of these caregivers are millennials.
Caregiving is a stressful and costly job. Where baby boomer and Gen X caregivers have the advantage of established careers and larger savings accounts, their millennial caregiver counterparts are just starting out. A whopping 73 percent of millennial caregivers work full-time jobs on top of their care duties, facing more pressure to balance their young careers and familial duties. In an AARP study, of the 1,200 millennial caregivers surveyed, the average reported spending on caregiving expenses per year was roughly $6,800 out of their own pocket, a higher portion than any other generation. Luckily, many companies, and even states, are instilling caregiving leave to help employees balance work requirements with care duties.
Millennials are making progress in one area when it comes to caregiving: this generation’s men are almost equal to women in providing care. Of surveyed caregivers who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, 53% are women, and 47% are men, where (as of now) the typical unpaid family caregiver is a 49-year-old female.
One benefit to millennials providing care for their elder loved ones is the opportunity for intergenerational activity. As many reports have noted, we tend to stick to our peer groups rather than fostering relationships with younger and older generations, causing a greater gap between the generations. Time outside of their own peer groups provides millennials with different perspectives and new understanding of challenges others have faced.
The U.S. is already seeing a caregiver shortage, and this is before most boomers have hit 65. What can you do to support these new, young caregivers?
Millennial caregivers are often overlooked by national advocacy organizations, community support groups, and even in public policy. Like all caregivers, they’re at risk for social isolation. Without programs directed to their needs, they lack the comradery and support that older caregivers get from their cohorts. Creating a more inclusive conversation about caregiving can open opportunities for younger caregivers to find a supportive community. If you know a millennial caregiver, a simple visit could provide them with the socialization they’re needing and taking a moment with their parent or grandparent could be an appreciated break.
There are online memory care resources about Alzheimer’s/dementia symptoms and care that millennials can refer to, so they’re prepared to take on caregiving responsibilities when the time comes. Additionally, libraries, senior centers, and assisted living/memory care communities (such as Aegis Living) host guest speakers who are experts in the Alzheimer’s/dementia field. Many of these are completely free to attend and offer valuable information. Show your support by offering to accompany them.
Aegis Living is lucky to have dedicated millennials working in our communities. With the number of individuals over the age of 65 set to double in the next few years, the senior living industry needs wonderful caregivers, nurses, activity directors and more. If you know someone interested in a meaningful, rewarding career, please visit our careers page to view open positions.
Respite Stays & Day Stays give family caregivers a real break—hours, days, or a few weeks—while your loved one enjoys a safe, enriching short‑term home at Aegis Living. Guests settle into a beautifully furnished private apartment and have 24/7 care staff and onsite nurses, medication management, and discreet safety technology (motion sensors, medical‑alert pendants, visitor check‑in) for peace of mind. Each day feels purposeful with chef‑prepared, all‑day dining and 200+ monthly activities—from book clubs and fitness classes to movie nights—plus full use of the community. We coordinate with your loved one’s physicians to mirror their routines and care, so the stay feels familiar. It’s also a smart trial run for senior living: meet neighbors, test services, and see what supported independence looks like—without a long‑term commitment. Choose a Respite Stay when you’re traveling or need time to recharge, when your loved one would benefit from structure, social connection, and great meals, or when you both want peace of mind while keeping options open.
Hospice & End‑of‑Life Care at Aegis Living is comfort‑first support for the final stage of life, delivered in your loved one’s private apartment by our 24/7 care team in coordination with a trusted local hospice provider you choose (or we can recommend). Together, we create a coordinated care plan that manages pain and other symptoms, oversees medications, and provides calm, dignified help with daily needs, while offering compassionate emotional support for both resident and family. Discreet safety measures and a reliable medical‑alert system bring help quickly; chef‑prepared, in‑apartment meals adapt to changing appetites. Families are guided through decisions and moments of closure so they can focus on being present in a peaceful, home‑like setting. If your loved one already lives at Aegis, they can remain in the comfort of their home, avoiding disruptive moves. Choose this level of care when curative treatment is no longer the goal and you want expert symptom control, hands‑on daily support, and a setting that protects dignity and prioritizes comfort, meaning, and time together.
Memory Care is specialized, secure support for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who benefit from a calm, structured environment and round‑the‑clock expertise. At Aegis Living, that care happens in Life’s Neighborhood—an intimate, thoughtfully designed setting where 24/7 dementia‑trained caregivers and a nursing team on site seven days a week deliver personalized help with daily living, medication management, and mobility (including Hoyer lifts and two‑person transfers), while gently redirecting agitation and confusion. Days are purpose‑filled with science‑based cognitive programming, certified music therapy, and social activities; chef‑prepared meals are easy to enjoy and dining spaces and cues are designed for memory support. Discreet safety features like secured entrances, emergency pendants with fall detection, and optional motion sensors, prevent wandering and bring peace of mind, and visiting physicians and wellness professionals reduce trips off‑site. Families receive education and ongoing support. If your loved one is unsafe alone, missing medications, wandering, needs frequent cueing or hands‑on help with bathing or dressing, or thrives with a predictable routine, Memory Care offers the right level of care. For milder needs, our transitional Assisted Living can be a first step; for advancing symptoms, secured Memory Care provides the specialized, heartfelt support to help them feel calm, connected, and at home.